How IKEA's Outdoor Panels Are Putting A Modern Spin On Privacy

Spending time outside is an important part of a healthy life, but if your outdoor living space is a little too exposed, you might not be getting the most out of it. Instead of avoiding the outdoors, optimizing your patio for a more private feel can spare you from being visible to your neighbors. While a number of incredible privacy add-on options exist, the appearance can sometimes be too clunky or may clash with the natural beauty that the outdoors have to offer. IKEA, however, has introduced a new outdoor panel that is bringing a modern appeal to your privacy — and it's easy to implement, too.

The LUNGÖN privacy screen from IKEA ($110) offers indoor/outdoor privacy that isn't overly harsh or uninviting. The product is designed with visually appealing cutouts throughout the metal, which allows sunlight and airflow through the panels. The privacy panels are equipped with feet that allow you to easily place it where you want and move it whenever the moment calls for a change. Like many IKEA products, you'll need to assemble the LUNGÖN yourself or pay for someone else to do it. Thanks to the design of the panels, you can purchase as many as you need for a privacy wall. Position them next to each other for a seamless appearance that will bring a chic element to your outdoor space. However, though the LUNGÖN seems a near-perfect solution to your privacy needs, is it as good as it seems?

At first glance, there is a lot to love about the LUNGÖN. Its visual appeal, for starters, will be sure to lend a neutral and relaxed vibe to your space, and you'll get a bit of privacy without losing out on natural lighting. On the other hand, however, there are some drawbacks to be aware of prior to purchasing these panels. First, a quick look at the privacy panels will show that it's fairly easy to see what's happening on the other side of the panels, so this product would not be a good solution if you're wanting complete visual privacy.

Second, while the LUNGÖN has a handful of 5-star reviews, there is an even distribution in the 1-3-star categories. Customers who have purchased it complain of its flimsy construction, in addition to criticizing the lack of privacy it provides. One review says, "Not quite as much privacy as expected as cutouts/holes are large. Still a nice addition to our courtyard." If you really like the design of the panels, however, you could always pair them with a few tall plants for additional privacy. One customer also states that spray painting the panels is easy to do. Even despite its less praiseworthy reviews, customers appreciate the appearance and how it can elevate the design of a space, even if it falls short as a strict privacy wall solution.